SIBU (Nov 8): Sarawak will not yield to any attempts to undermine its rights as guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Speaking at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) here today, Wan Junaidi reminded the 408 graduates from 21 academic programmes that convocation marks not an end, but the beginning of greater challenges and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s future. A total of 149 graduates received their scrolls on the first day of the university’s 10th convocation ceremony today. Of that number, 42 are master’s graduates, while 107 are degree graduates. “We must never surrender or allow our aspirations to be mocked. United, we must support every endeavour to reclaim our rightful heritage for the sustainability of our development and the harmony of our beloved Malaysia,” said the UTS Chancellor. Wan Junaidi reaffirmed Sarawak’s determination to defend its rights over oil and gas and other natural resources long subject to dispute, and cautioned graduates not to be swayed by divisive rhetoric. “Let us prove that we are wise, mature, and educated. Today, we stand proudly with our own respected university. “With the knowledge gained here, UTS will one day be counted among the likes of MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge,” he added. Wan Junaidi urged graduates to seek purpose beyond jobs or titles and to align their knowledge with Sarawak’s development aspirations. “Do not leave this hall merely to seek jobs or titles. Seek purpose. Find your ‘why’. “When your knowledge aligns with the nation’s vision, you will not only succeed, but you will matter,” he said. He also underscored the importance of integrity, warning that knowledge without honesty can be dangerous and that success built on corruption is fragile. “Never allow corruption to stain your achievements. History has shown that great civilisations have fallen because of corruption,” he warned. Commending the state government for establishing the Ombudsman Department to strengthen governance, he stressed that the fight against dishonesty is a shared responsibility among all citizens, particularly graduates. “Integrity is your shield. Character is your compass,” he said. Turning to Sarawak’s transformation agenda under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Wan Junaidi said the state is striving to become a digital hub, green-energy powerhouse, and centre for technology and innovation by 2030. He said major initiatives — including the Integrated Hydrogen Plant, methanol production, digital-economy expansion, smart-grid development, and new data centres — offer abundant opportunities for young professionals to drive progress and innovation. “Sarawak’s younger generation is equipped with the education, skills, and mindset to drive innovation. “Take ownership of this journey and become part of the transformation that will propel Sarawak to new heights,” he said. He described UTS as a reflection of Sarawak’s unity in diversity, where people of all races and backgrounds come together as one Sarawakian family bound by shared values and mutual respect. Present at the ceremony were Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and wife Datin Hajah Siti Shorgayah Ahmad Zaidi; and UTS Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid. The ceremony concluded with Wan Junaidi congratulating the Class of 2025 and urging graduates to uphold integrity, contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s transformation, and defend the state’s rights under MA63. “Go forth and create something extraordinary,” he said.

MIRI: Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar serta isteri, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi menyantuni mangsa tanah runtuh Kampung Lereng Bukit di Pusat Pemindahan Sementara (PPS) di Dewan Bulan Sabit Merah (BSM) Miri pada hari ini. Lawatan itu bertujuan menzahirkan keprihatinan serta memberikan sokongan moral kepada mangsa yang terjejas akibat insiden tersebut. Kedua-dua mereka turut menyampaikan sumbangan makanan kepada mangsa sebagai tanda solidariti serta memastikan kebajikan terpelihara. Turut mengiringi ialah Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Dato Sri Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah bersama Datin Sri Zuraini Jabbar, Timbalan Menteri Belia, Sukan dan Pembangunan Usahawan Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat dan Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Datuk Sebastian Ting. Hadir sama, Timbalan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak (Perancangan Ekonomi dan Pembangunan) Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Datuk Bandar Miri yang juga ADUN Pujut Adam Yii, Residen Miri Galong Luang, serta Ketua Polis Daerah Miri ACP Alexson Naga Chabu. Seramai 105 penduduk daripada 25 keluarga telah dipindahkan ke PPS tersebut. Rombongan turut menerima taklimat tentang keadaan semasa di PPS itu serta langkah-langkah bantuan dan perlindungan yang sedang dilaksanakan oleh pihak berkuasa bagi memastikan kesejahteraan mangsa. Dalam kejadian pada awal pagi Rabu, kejadian tanah runtuh tersebut telah memusnahkan dua buah rumah kediaman penduduk yang bersebelahan. Lima mangsa telah meninggal dunia akibat kejadian tanah runtuh itu.

KUCHING (Mar 25): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed appreciation for the role and commitment of the local media in providing continuous coverage of Astana Negeri Sarawak’s activities and programmes. In a post on his official Facebook account late last night, he emphasised that the media plays a vital role in ensuring the public receives accurate and balanced information, thereby fostering an informed society. He expressed hope that this close collaboration would continue to be strengthened, and that more events with local media partners would be held to further enhance the relationship between Astana Negeri Sarawak and the media. Wan Junaidi made these remarks after he and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi hosted a Majlis Bersungkei (breaking of fast event) for members of the local media fraternity at Dewan Santapan, Surau Astana Negeri last night. The event served as a token of appreciation to the media for their crucial role in disseminating information to the public, particularly regarding Astana Negeri Sarawak’s activities and initiatives in the state. It also aimed to strengthen the relationship between Astana Negeri Sarawak and local media practitioners. The event began with an iftar ceremony, where guests enjoyed a light meal before Muslim attendees proceeded to perform Maghrib prayers. They were later treated to a dinner featuring local dishes. Following the meal, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah interacted and took photographs with the guests before joining them for Isyak and Tarawih prayers. Among those present were the State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Datin Amar Baduyah Bujang, Sarawak Information Department director Helmy Hamid; Sarawak Broadcasting Department (RTM) director Wan Azhan Wan Hamat; Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Rezuan; Sarawak Media Group chairwoman Dato Norhyati Ismail, and Sarawak Malay Economic Association president Bujang Sitam, representatives from Wacana Group, Kaki Lima Yong Hua Group and Kampung Pendam, Asajaya.

KUCHING (Jan 31): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today paid his final respects to his fellow comrade in arms from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the late DSP (Rtd) Joneh Bidon, in Batu Kawa. According to a post on Wan Junaidi’s Facebook page, the late Joneh passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind his widow, Evelyn Kimson, aged 76, and five children. “The Governor and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd. Sanusi, took time to express their condolences to the bereaved family. “They wished the family strength and resilience as they navigate this period of grief,” the post stated.  

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Mac: Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar dan Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi berbuka puasa bersama anak-anak Sarawak di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur (KLCC), malam ini. Majlis Sungkei Anak Sarawak 2025, yang turut dihadiri oleh Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg dan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, dianjurkan oleh Yayasan Sarawak dengan kerjasama Pejabat Perhubungan Sarawak Kuala Lumpur dan Sarawak Volunteers. Majlis berbuka puasa itu dihadiri 1,400 jemputan, terdiri daripada anak Sarawak yang bekerja dan melanjutkan pengajian di Semenanjung Malaysia serta rakan strategik kerajaan Sarawak. Turut hadir isteri Premier Sarawak, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Yang di-Pertua Dewan Negara, Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, dan Timbalan Premier Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Selepas berbuka puasa, tetamu kehormat menunaikan solat fardu Maghrib berjemaah bersama jemputan yang hadir. Majlis turut diserikan dengan simbolik penyerahan sumbangan duit raya kepada 50 penerima. Secara keseluruhan, penerima sumbangan terdiri daripada 475 pelajar, termasuk pelajar Kolej GENIUS@Pintar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), institusi pengajian tinggi, serta anak-anak kakitangan Yayasan Sarawak Kuala Lumpur dan Rumah Sarawak. Majlis berbuka puasa itu melabuhkan tirai dengan tetamu kehormat serta semua jemputan menunaikan solat fardu Isyak dan solat sunat Tarawih di dewan bangunan tersebut. Solat dipimpin sepenuhnya oleh Imam Besar Negeri Sarawak, Sahibul Fadilah Dato Mustapha Kamal. – TVS